§ Mr. HARWOODasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he had received any information from the authorities in Egypt explaining the failure of last season's crop of cotton after such a promising opening; and whether any assurances had been given that there was not likely to be a recurrence of such failure?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir E. Grey)I have received a report upon the subject, the importance of which is fully recognised by the Egyptian Government. The causes of the failure are being investigated by two Commissions, one consisting of representative men interested in the production of cotton, and the second of scientific experts. The special subject of investigation will be the best method of dealing with the insects which prey upon the plant, and which last season were exceptionally destructive. The Government are taking steps to mitigate the ravages of these insects, and considerable sums are I being spent annually upon drainage.